Algeria and Chad advance energy and infrastructure projects with landmark agreements
Algeria and Chad advance energy and infrastructure projects with landmark agreements
Algeria and Chad have taken a decisive step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership this week by signing two pivotal agreements in N’Djamena and Algiers. The deals, focused on public works and energy, aim to accelerate the implementation of commitments made during high-level talks in April, while deepening South-South cooperation.
Infrastructure cooperation gains momentum
In N’Djamena, Algeria’s Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Desenclavement and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, formalized an accord to streamline joint infrastructure projects. The signing took place during the second day of a working visit by the Algerian delegation to Chad, where both ministers reviewed progress on bilateral agreements inked in Algiers on April 22. Kourda highlighted a rapidly accelerating implementation phase, noting significant advancements including mutual technical visits and the initiation of feasibility studies for the Trans-Saharan highway, which will traverse Chad’s territory.
40 MW power plant to electrify N’Djamena
On the same day in Algiers, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewables, Mourad Adjal, and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, signed an agreement to construct a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. The project aligns with Algeria’s commitment to supporting African nations and fostering South-South collaboration, as outlined by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The two ministers discussed broader energy cooperation, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the supply of electrical and gas equipment and workforce training.
Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the plant were finalized following a recent site visit by Sonelgaz teams to Chad. Both countries are now preparing to import necessary equipment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Chad’s technical teams will undergo a month-long training program at Algeria’s Sonelgaz schools to ensure seamless operation of the facility once operational. The collaboration will also include the rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s existing power grid.
A milestone for South-South cooperation
For Chad’s Minister Marcelin, the agreement represents a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He emphasized that the foundations for this cooperation were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algiers in April. Marcelin praised Algeria’s growing role as a regional leader in energy, noting that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing training in Algeria, with more cohorts expected to follow.
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, confirmed that the plant will be entirely Algerian in design, equipment, and labor. Chadian authorities are set to begin site preparation simultaneously with the equipment transfer and construction launch. Djellouli added that Sonelgaz International, established earlier this year, has already received multiple inquiries from African nations for similar energy and infrastructure initiatives. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of Chad’s national electricity company, hailed the project as a testament to the new era of relations between the two countries, reaffirming Chad’s commitment to leveraging Algeria’s recognized expertise in power sector development.
